Elderly & Disabled Voters

Rhode Island has several procedures in place to make it easier for voters who are blind, elderly or disabled to cast ballots.

Assistance of Choice at Polling Places

In accordance with state law, voters who are blind, disabled or unable to read or write may be given assistance at the polls by a person of the voter's choice as long as that person is not the voter's employer or agent of the voter's employer, or officer or agent of the voter's unions.

Polling Place Accessibility

In accordance with state law, every polling place must be handicapped accessible. If your assigned polling place is not accessible, your local board of canvassers must provide an alternative means for you to cast your ballot on the day of the election.

Accessible Voting Machines

State law requires every polling place to provide an accessible voting machine called an AutoMark. The AutoMark machine offers audio as well as visual prompts that make it easier for voters with hearing or visual impairments, in particular, to cast ballots. But any registered voter can choose to use the AutoMark; no special application or permission is required.

Applying for a Mail Ballot

If you are permanently disabled, you may arrange to have mail ballot applications (not the actual ballots) mailed to you automatically. Contact your local board of canvassers for more information.

Braille and Tactile Mail Ballots

Any voter who is blind or visually impaired is eligible to request a Braille or tactile mail ballot.